Freshly Ground:Nomvula

Freshly Ground:Nomvula Tinto Tinta

If I'm honest [and, when it comes to reviewing records, I think I generally am!], I'd say this CD isn't exactly my cup of tea, but I am able to see its attractions to a wide variety of record buyers. It's not a straightforward world music record from southern Africa. The tunes aren't all in the same style, which is interesting in itself. I'd say this will appeal to lovers of jolly samba/carnival type music and other positive vibrations, fans of Joan Armatrading, Michael Jackson and the Bhundu Boys, R'n'B aficionados, Afro-Celts and many more. But not me.... and I can't exactly put my finger on why. The production is very good indeed. The vocal styling is impeccable and the technical musicianship is faultless. Maybe it's just a bit too well put together - too clean, too sweet, too nice. Perhaps it lacks soul, spirit, conviction.... I can't really say. But hey, just because I don't like it much doesn't mean you won't. So go and check it out for yourself.